Troubleshooting: Ethernet Connected, But WiFi Isn't Working on Windows 11/10?

Table of Contents

• Ethernet works but not WiFi in Windows 11/10¶
• Why is Ethernet working but not WiFi?¶
• Why won’t my Windows 11 let me connect to WiFi?¶

Ethernet works but not WiFi in Windows 11/10¶

Experiencing internet connectivity issues on Windows systems is not uncommon. However, a particularly frustrating scenario arises when your Ethernet connection is functioning correctly, yet your WiFi adapter refuses to connect. This situation can be perplexing, especially when you rely on wireless connectivity for various devices or mobility within your home or office. If you find yourself in this predicament on your Windows 11 or 10 computer, this article is designed to guide you through the potential causes and effective solutions to restore your WiFi functionality.

The root causes of WiFi failure while Ethernet operates can stem from either issues with the wireless adapter itself or from software configurations within your computer. Regardless of the specific underlying problem, there are a series of troubleshooting steps you can systematically follow to diagnose and resolve the issue. We will explore these solutions in a logical sequence, starting with the simplest checks and progressing to more advanced techniques.

1. Check if your computer supports Wi-Fi¶

Before delving into more complex troubleshooting, it’s essential to verify the most fundamental aspect: whether your computer is actually equipped with a physical Wi-Fi adapter. While most modern laptops and many desktop computers come with integrated wireless capabilities, older desktops or custom-built systems might not inherently include a Wi-Fi adapter.

To determine if your system has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, you can easily check your system information. This process will help you confirm the presence of the necessary hardware for wireless networking. Here’s how to check:

• In the Windows Search bar, located on your taskbar, type System information.
• From the search results, open the System Information application.
• In the System Information window, navigate through the left-hand menu to Components > Network > Adapter.
• On the right-hand side, you will see a list of all network adapters installed in your system. Carefully examine the names listed to identify if a Wireless adapter is present. Look for terms like “Wireless,” “802.11,” or “Wi-Fi” in the adapter names.

If, after checking, you find that a wireless adapter is not listed, it confirms that your computer lacks built-in Wi-Fi capability. In such cases, the simplest solution to enable WiFi on your desktop is to use an external USB Wi-Fi adapter. These adapters are readily available, easy to install, and provide a convenient way to add wireless networking to systems that don’t have it natively.

2. Check for a physical Wi-Fi switch on the keyboard¶

Many laptops are designed with a physical Wi-Fi switch to provide a quick way to enable or disable wireless connectivity. This switch is often located on the side of the laptop or integrated into the keyboard itself. It’s crucial to check for such a switch and ensure it’s in the “ON” position.

Furthermore, many keyboards, especially on laptops, utilize the Fn (Function) key in combination with one of the Function keys (F1-F12) to toggle various hardware features, including Wi-Fi. Often, a small icon resembling a wireless signal is printed on the Function key that controls Wi-Fi.

To check for and use this keyboard combination:

• Carefully inspect your keyboard for a Function key with a Wi-Fi symbol. This symbol typically looks like radiating waves.
• Press the Fn key and the corresponding Function key simultaneously.
• Observe if there’s any visual feedback on your screen, such as an on-screen display, indicating that Wi-Fi is being enabled or disabled.
• Try pressing the key combination once to see if it resolves the WiFi issue. It’s possible the Wi-Fi was inadvertently turned off using this switch.

Accidentally toggling this physical switch or keyboard combination is a common oversight. Ensuring it’s correctly set to “ON” is a quick and easy step that can often resolve WiFi connectivity problems.

3. Make sure your system is in the range of the wireless network¶

Unlike wired Ethernet connections, WiFi networks operate wirelessly and have a limited range. The strength and reach of a wireless network signal depend heavily on the distance from the router and any obstacles in between, such as walls.

If your computer is located too far from the wireless router or is separated by significant obstructions like thick walls, the WiFi signal might be too weak or nonexistent, leading to connection problems.

To ensure your system is within range:

• Move closer to your wireless router. If possible, bring your computer into the same room as the router or at least reduce the number of walls or other obstructions between them.
• Check the WiFi signal strength indicator on your computer. This is usually located in the system tray (bottom right corner of your screen) and looks like a series of bars. A very low signal strength (one or no bars) indicates a weak connection.
• Consider using a wireless range extender. If your home or office is large, or if thick walls are unavoidable, a wireless range extender can amplify and rebroadcast the WiFi signal, effectively extending the network’s reach. These devices are placed strategically between the router and the area with poor signal.
• Evaluate your router. If range issues persist even when relatively close to the router, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more powerful router with a greater range. Modern routers often offer improved coverage and signal strength compared to older models.

Understanding the limitations of wireless range is crucial. Positioning your computer within a reasonable proximity to the router or employing range extenders can significantly improve WiFi connectivity.

4. Check if the wireless adapter is Enabled¶

Even if your computer has a Wi-Fi adapter and is within range of the network, the adapter itself might be disabled in the operating system settings. Disabling the adapter effectively turns off its functionality, preventing any WiFi connections.

It is essential to verify that the wireless adapter is enabled in Windows. You can easily check and enable it through the Network Connections window:

• Press Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
• In the Run window, type the command NCPA.CPL and press Enter. This command opens the Network Connections window, which displays all network adapters on your system.
• In the Network Connections window, look for your Wireless Network Adapter. It will typically be labeled with names including “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or the manufacturer of the adapter.
• Check the icon status. If the wireless adapter icon is grayed out or has a red “X” symbol, it indicates that the adapter is currently Disabled.
• To enable a disabled adapter, right-click on the adapter icon and select Enable from the context menu.
• After enabling the adapter, reboot your system. Restarting the computer ensures that the changes are fully applied and that the wireless network adapter initializes correctly.

Enabling a disabled wireless adapter is a straightforward solution that often resolves WiFi connectivity problems. It’s a common setting to overlook, so ensuring the adapter is enabled is a crucial step in troubleshooting.

5. Check if the Wi-Fi network is connected or not¶

Unlike Ethernet, which is a physical cable connection, WiFi networks require a connection process, often involving a password for security. Even if your Wi-Fi adapter is enabled and within range, you might not be actively connected to your desired wireless network.

It’s important to check the Wi-Fi network connection status and ensure you are properly connected to your intended network.

• Locate the Wi-Fi symbol in your system tray (usually at the bottom right corner of your screen). Click on it.
• A list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear. Check if your desired network is listed and if it indicates “Connected” beneath the network name.
• “Secured” vs. “Connected”: Be aware that a network marked as “Secured” only means it has password protection, not that you are actively connected. You need to see “Connected” to confirm a successful connection.
• If not connected, click on your desired network name from the list.
• You might be prompted to enter the network password (Wi-Fi password or network key). Ensure you enter the password correctly. Double-check for typos and case sensitivity.
• If you are unsure of the password, you may need to obtain it from your router’s settings or the person who manages the network.
• After entering the password, Windows will attempt to connect to the network. Wait for a few moments to see if the status changes to “Connected.”

Sometimes, even if it shows “Connected,” the connection might be unstable. In such cases, try disconnecting and reconnecting to the network. Click on the connected network name in the Wi-Fi list and select “Disconnect,” then reconnect by clicking the network name again and re-entering the password if prompted.

Ensuring you are actively and correctly connected to your Wi-Fi network is a fundamental step. Incorrect passwords or simply not initiating the connection are common reasons why WiFi might not be working despite Ethernet functioning correctly.

6. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter¶

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters designed to automatically diagnose and resolve common system problems. The Network Adapter troubleshooter is specifically designed to identify and fix issues related to network adapters, including wireless adapters.

Running this troubleshooter is a simple and often effective way to let Windows automatically detect and attempt to resolve WiFi problems.

• Right-click on the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.
• From the context menu, select Settings.
• In the Windows Settings window, click on System.
• In the System settings menu, select Troubleshoot, then Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down the list of troubleshooters and find Network Adapter troubleshooter.
• Click the Run button next to the Network Adapter troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter will launch and automatically begin diagnosing your network adapter. It will check for common issues, such as driver problems, adapter configuration errors, and network protocol problems. Allow the troubleshooter to complete its process. It may take a few minutes.

If the troubleshooter identifies any problems, it will attempt to automatically fix them. It may also provide you with recommendations or further steps to take. Follow any on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter.

After the troubleshooter has finished, restart your computer to ensure any changes are applied. Then, check if your WiFi is now working.

While the Network Adapter troubleshooter is not a guaranteed fix for all problems, it is a valuable automated tool that can often resolve common WiFi issues, making it a worthwhile step in the troubleshooting process.

7. Update the Network drivers¶

Network drivers are software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with your network hardware, including your Wi-Fi adapter. Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible network drivers are a frequent cause of WiFi connectivity problems.

Updating your network drivers to the latest versions is a crucial step in troubleshooting WiFi issues. Windows Update is often the most convenient way to update drivers, including network drivers.

Updating Network Drivers via Windows Update:

• Press Win + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
• In the Windows Settings window, click on Windows Update (usually located at the bottom left).
• Click on Advanced options.
• Select Optional updates.
• Look for Driver updates. Expand this section if it is available.
• You will see a list of available driver updates, including network drivers. Select the checkbox next to any Network adapter drivers listed.
• Click the Download & install button.

Windows will download and install the selected driver updates automatically. Restart your computer after the update process is complete.

Updating Network Drivers via Device Manager:

Alternatively, you can use Device Manager to update network drivers:

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• Press Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
• In the Run window, type the command DEVMGMT.MSC and press Enter. This opens Device Manager.
• In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters category by clicking the arrow next to it.
• Locate your Wireless Network Adapter in the list.
• Right-click on your Wireless Network Adapter and select Update driver.
• In the “Update Drivers” window, you can choose to “Search automatically for drivers”. Windows will search for and install the latest drivers it finds online.
• Alternatively, if you have already downloaded the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Broadcom, etc.), you can choose “Browse my computer for drivers” and navigate to the location where you saved the driver files.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
• Restart your system after updating the drivers.

Keeping your network drivers updated is essential for optimal WiFi performance and stability. Regularly checking for and installing driver updates can prevent and resolve many WiFi connectivity issues.

8. Turn OFF anti-virus and Windows Defender Firewall temporarily¶

In some cases, overly aggressive anti-virus software or the Windows Defender Firewall can mistakenly interfere with wireless network connections. These security measures might block or restrict network access, leading to WiFi problems, even though Ethernet works fine.

To rule out interference from security software, you can temporarily disable your anti-virus and Windows Defender Firewall. This is a troubleshooting step to isolate whether these programs are the cause of the issue.

Temporarily Disabling Windows Defender Firewall:

• Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Windows Search bar and open Windows Defender Firewall.
• In the Windows Defender Firewall window, click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” in the left-hand menu.
• Under both “Private network settings” and “Public network settings”, select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)”.
• Click OK to save the changes.

Temporarily Disabling Third-Party Anti-virus:

The process for disabling third-party anti-virus software varies depending on the specific program you are using. Typically, you can find an option to temporarily disable protection by right-clicking on the anti-virus program’s icon in the system tray (bottom right corner) or by opening the program’s interface and looking for a “disable” or “turn off” option. Refer to your anti-virus software’s documentation for specific instructions.

Important Note:

• Only disable your anti-virus and firewall temporarily for troubleshooting purposes.
• After testing your WiFi connection, remember to immediately re-enable both your anti-virus software and Windows Defender Firewall to maintain your system’s security. Leaving these security features disabled makes your computer vulnerable to threats.

If disabling your anti-virus and firewall resolves the WiFi issue, it indicates that one of these programs was indeed interfering with your wireless connection. You may need to configure your anti-virus or firewall settings to allow your WiFi network connection or contact the software vendor for assistance.

9. Power-cycle modem, router, and computer¶

Power cycling, which involves completely turning off and then restarting devices, is a surprisingly effective solution for many network problems, including WiFi issues. This process can resolve temporary glitches, clear network caches, and re-establish connections properly.

In the context of wireless networks, it is common for systems to sometimes pick up an APIPA IP address (Automatic Private IP Addressing). This happens when a device fails to obtain a valid IP address from the DHCP server (usually your router). Power cycling can often resolve this issue and ensure your computer gets a correct IP address.

Procedure for Power Cycling:

• Switch OFF all three devices: your modem, your wireless router, and your computer. Completely power them down, do not just restart them.
• Wait for a few minutes. Allow at least 30 seconds to a minute for all devices to fully power down and discharge.
• Switch ON the modem first. Plug the modem back into the power outlet and turn it on. Wait for it to fully boot up and for the indicator lights to become stable. This may take a few minutes.
• Switch ON the router next. Once the modem is stable, turn on your wireless router. Again, wait for it to boot up completely and for its indicator lights to stabilize.
• Finally, switch ON your computer. Power on your computer and allow it to boot into Windows.

After all devices have been power-cycled and restarted, check if your WiFi connection is now working. Power cycling often resolves temporary network configuration problems and can be a simple yet effective fix.

10. Release IP address¶

Every device on a network, including your computer, is assigned an IP address (Internet Protocol address) to communicate on the network. Sometimes, IP address conflicts or issues with IP address assignment can cause network connectivity problems.

Releasing and renewing your computer’s IP address can resolve these issues. This process forces your computer to request a new IP address from the DHCP server (usually your router), potentially fixing IP address-related problems.

Steps to Release and Renew IP Address:

• Type “Command Prompt” in the Windows Search bar.
• In the search results, locate Command Prompt. Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu. This opens an elevated Command Prompt window with administrator privileges.

• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

  IPCONFIG /RELEASE
  

  This command releases your computer’s current IP address.
  * After the command completes, type the following command and press Enter:

  IPCONFIG /RENEW
  

  This command renews your IP address, requesting a new IP address from the DHCP server.
  * Wait for the commands to execute. You should see messages confirming the release and renewal process.
  * Reboot your system after executing these commands. Restarting ensures that the new IP address configuration is fully applied.

After rebooting, check if your WiFi connection is now working. Releasing and renewing the IP address is a common troubleshooting step for network connectivity problems and can often resolve issues related to IP address assignment.

Why is Ethernet working but not WiFi?¶

The situation where Ethernet works flawlessly but WiFi is not functioning points towards issues that are specific to the wireless components or configurations of your system. Several factors can contribute to this discrepancy:

• Wireless Device Driver Issues: Problems with the wireless adapter driver are a primary suspect. Corrupted, outdated, or incompatible drivers can prevent the Wi-Fi adapter from operating correctly, even if the hardware itself is functional.
• Network Adapter Malfunctions: While less common, the wireless network adapter hardware itself might be malfunctioning. This could be due to hardware failure or damage, preventing it from establishing a wireless connection.
• Software Conflicts: As mentioned earlier, security applications like anti-virus software or firewalls can sometimes interfere with wireless connections, while not affecting wired Ethernet connections.
• Operating System Settings: Incorrect Windows network settings or configurations specific to the wireless adapter can also cause WiFi to fail while Ethernet works.
• Router Specific Issues: In rare cases, the problem might be related to the wireless settings on your router. For example, the router’s wireless radio might be disabled, or there might be issues with the router’s wireless firmware.

The troubleshooting steps outlined in this article are designed to address these potential causes systematically. By following these solutions, you can pinpoint the source of the problem and take appropriate steps to restore your WiFi connectivity.

Why won’t my Windows 11 let me connect to WiFi?¶

If you are specifically facing WiFi connection problems on Windows 11, the underlying reasons often align with the general causes mentioned above, but with a few Windows 11 specific considerations:

• Faulty Wireless Driver (Windows 11 Compatibility): Drivers that worked perfectly on older versions of Windows might not be fully compatible with Windows 11. Ensuring you have the latest Windows 11 compatible wireless drivers is crucial. Manufacturers often release updated drivers specifically for new operating systems.
• 5GHz Adapter Requirement for 5GHz Networks: If you are trying to connect to a 5GHz WiFi network, your wireless adapter must support 5GHz frequencies. Older adapters might only support 2.4GHz. Check your adapter’s specifications to ensure it supports the frequency band of your network.
• Windows 11 Network Stack Issues: While less frequent, there could be specific issues within the Windows 11 network stack itself. Updates to Windows 11 are generally designed to fix such issues, so keeping your system updated is important.
• Firewall and Security Settings (Windows 11 Enhanced Security): Windows 11 often has enhanced security features. Firewall settings and other security protocols might be more restrictive by default, potentially requiring more careful configuration to allow WiFi connections.

In addition to the general troubleshooting steps, for Windows 11 users, it’s particularly important to focus on driver compatibility, ensure hardware support for network frequencies, and review any enhanced security settings that might be impacting wireless connectivity.

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We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Ethernet working while WiFi is not on your Windows 11 or 10 computer. By systematically following these steps, you can identify and fix the most common causes of this problem.

We encourage you to share your experiences or any additional troubleshooting tips in the comments below!¶